GLACIER Energy Services is targeting growth in the Middle East and Asia Pacific as it forms a new business division.

The Aberdeen company, which employs more than 220 people, said it has merged its pipeline machining and onsite services arm into one specialist function called Roberts Machining Solutions.

Mike Derry, formerly head of the offshore division, has been appointed to head the venture and expand its reach beyond the UK Continental Shelf.

A deal has already been struck with Australian firm Scope Engineering for it to provide training and onsite services on behalf of Roberts. That will also link in to Glacier's base in Singapore.

Kevin Strachan has been hired as the regional manager for the Middle East for Roberts and will be based in Dubai.